The global financial and economic crisis poses a particular threat to individuals, households and communities in the least developed countries and fragile states, and those dependent on international aid that are highly vulnerable to external shocks. Concerted action of an international scope is therefore required to address looming, underlying, and potentially dangerous forces that, if not tackled urgently, could have serious future costs and consequences.

The initiative aims at drawing the attention of decision-makers to the short, medium and long-term impact of the ongoing crisis on the world’s humanitarian security and social stability through a holistic approach. Priority is given to preparing for and responding to humanitarian crises to mitigate threats to human security, while promoting efforts to build resilience, self-reliance and recovery.